ARCA Salem Double Header on the Way

Salem Speedway ARCA Double-Header on the Way; Kimmel to Clinch Record 6th Series Crown

SALEM IN (9-14-04) The renowned Salem Speedway will play host to a big ARCA double-header day this Saturday, September 18 when the stars and cars of the ARCA RE/MAX Series and the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series converge on the historic, half-mile, high-banked southern Indiana oval for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200 and the Advance Auto Parts 50.

Area favorite Frank Kimmel, who lives just 20 minutes from the track, needs only to show up to clinch a record-tying sixth RE/MAX Series championship. Only ARCA legend Iggy Katona has six national ARCA titles. It will also mark Kimmel's fifth consecutive series title, a feat unequaled in 52 years of RE/MAX Series competition.

"We're really looking forward to getting back to Salem; it's home for us," said Kimmel. "My Dad and my brother Bill both raced there dating back to the 60s. So going back to Salem for me is always special, and even more so now with our sixth championship coming. There's not a place on earth I'd rather have it happen more than at Salem. Needless to say, it's going to be a big weekend for the whole Kimmel family. They'll be out in full force; that's for sure."

Kimmel is also the all-time ARCA/Salem winner with eight victories there in the last 13 Salem races, including earlier this year. Only Ken Schrader, Bill Baird, Tracy Leslie and Shelby Howard have denied the hometown favorite Kimmel a win since the spring of 1998, the year Kimmel procured his first series crown.

The event also marks the 73rd appearance of the RE/MAX Series at Salem since debuting there in 1955. No other track in history has more longevity with the RE/MAX Series. At present, more than 40 drivers from 15 states are entered and will compete for 34 available starting positions in the 200-lap, short-track grind.

Although Kimmel has virtually clinched the 2004 ARCA RE/MAX Series championship, the Lincoln Welders Truck Series title is still very much up for grabs with two-time champion and current point leader Chad Guinn holding a slim 30 point margin over Barboursville, West Virginia rookie Brett Rowe, who currently rides in second.

Saturday's pre-race festivities feature the popular Jasper Engines & Transmissions autograph session from 4:45-5:15 p.m. local time just prior to the start of the 50-lap ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series Advance Auto Parts 50 at 5:30 p.m. The evening will culminate with the Eddie Gilstrap Motors 200 by Advance Auto Parts under the lights for the second consecutive season. LIVE coverage on SPEED Channel begins at 7 p.m. Central or 8 p.m. Eastern.

The annual ARCA Fall Classic Party, presented by Ford Credit, is scheduled to take place following the racing action on Saturday night. Easy Money, a popular area rock band, will provide musical entertainment from 9 p.m. until midnight in the Speedway Pavilion.

Spectator gates open Saturday at 11:30 a.m., with practice set to begin at 12-noon, followed by Pork Pole award qualifying at 3 p.m. for the Trucks and 4 p.m. for the RE/MAX Series.

Advance tickets, both reserved and general admission, are currently selling for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA Fall Classic, presented by Advance Auto Parts and may be purchased by calling 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-2Go-Race (1-888-246-7223).